Hideaways International unveils nine prestigious hotels and two top tour companies, the newest travel experiences to join The Hideaways Collection for the first quarter of 2013. Discover what makes each so unique, and what exclusive privileges these new partners extend to travel-savvy members of the Hideaways Aficionado Club.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE – The addition of 11 terrific new travel experiences for the first quarter of 2013 means The Hideaways Collection has even more to offer privileged members of the Hideaways Aficionado Club-the exclusive travel club that’s been guiding its members to the best in worldwide travel for 35 years. “For the person who enjoys traveling in style, we’ve hand-picked the best boutique lodgings and travel experiences for our premier portfolio,” says Mike Thiel, Founder and President of parent company Hideaways International Inc. “And since everyone likes to feel special, we’ve made sure our members get the VIP treatment at all our partners, including special pricing, upgrades, and value-added perks.”
Here’s a little insight into each new addition to The Hideaways Collection.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico. Here, waterfront living means quiet, crystal-clear lagoons lined with mangroves, glimpses of herons and egrets from your villa hammock, and a romantic lancha ferry boat ride to deliver you to dinner at the main resort complex. Exclusive Hideaways Aficionado Member Perk: Daily breakfast buffet for 2 people, and a 90-minute massage at the Banyan Tree Spa (min. stay of 3 nts.).
Le Château de Bagnols, Beaujolais, France. When you arrive at this venerable 13th-century estate, with its massive honey-colored stone walls nearly aglow amid vibrant green vineyards and stately gardens, you may feel you’ve walked into some ethereal fairy-tale setting. Exclusive Hideaways Aficionado Member Perk: A bottle of Beaujolais and petit-fours, daily breakfast, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The Marmara Bodrum, Turkey. High on a hilltop overlooking the city of Bodrum and the deep-blue Aegean, this elegant hotel weaves a rich tapestry of contemporary design that can only be summed up as fresh and somewhat astonishing in a region that easily dates back to the 13th century B.C. Exclusive Hideaways Aficionado Member Perk: A bottle of local Vinkara wine.
Alila Villas Soori, Bali, Indonesia. Tucked away on Bali’s west coast, not far from the iconic island temple of Tanah Lot, this secluded retreat is a world away from the hue and cry of Bali’s busy tourist spots; all you hear is the hush of waves on the black-sand beach and the rustle of the surrounding emerald-green rice fields. Exclusive Hideaways Aficionado Member Perk: Complimentary dinner or 90-minute Spa Alila treatment for 2 people (min. stay of 4 nts.).
Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia. Poised on a plateau above limestone cliffs, this luscious hideaway feels like a private and very exclusive aerie, with breezes wafting through each private and very tranquil villa, carrying with them the sounds of breakers sweeping in from the sea below. Exclusive Hideaways Aficionado Member Perk: Complimentary dinner or 90-minute Spa Alila treatment for 2 people (min. stay of 4 nts.).
The Viceroy Bali, Indonesia. Here, each of the airy, beautifully appointed villas makes a luxury out of sheer space, with its lofty thatched roof and expansive doors inviting in the sounds and serenity of the lush outdoors. Exclusive Hideaways Aficionado Member Perk: A one-hour Balinese massage for 2 people.
The Oberoi, Bali, Indonesia. Merely a glimpse of this resort’s secluded thatched-roof villas and lanai rooms, clustered about private rock ponds amid 15 acres of luscious gardens, is enough to suggest what a deeply gratifying Balinese experience The Oberoi has crafted here. Exclusive Hideaways Aficionado Member Perk: Dinner for two at the restaurant (excluding beverages, min. stay of 2 nts.).
The Oberoi, Lombok, Indonesia. Everything about this graceful retreat reflects both its location and its commitment to luxury, from the thatched-roof pavilions and villas set amid generous acres of palm-studded tropical gardens to the spa’s aromatic floral baths brimming with delicate blossoms. Exclusive Hideaways Aficionado Member Perk: Dinner for two at the restaurant (excluding beverages, min. stay of 2 nts.).
Paresa Resort, Phuket, Thailand. Thiseco-designed escape is carved into a cliff top along Millionaire’s Mile, removed even from the placid delights of nearby Kamala Beach, with nonstop views west over the Andaman Sea from its generous complement of lavish villas and suites. Exclusive Hideaways Aficionado Member Perk: One Thai set dinner for two at Talung Thai restaurant.
Quark Expeditions, Polar Regions. If traveling to the ends of the earth is on your “once-in-a-lifetime” list, you’ll want to do it right with the leaders in polar travel. Whether you choose the Arctic region or prefer the far reaches of Antarctica, this well-regarded polar expedition company assures you of having an immersive experience led by experts affiliated with such renowned organizations as The Explorer’s Club and the Royal Geographic Society.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canadian Rockies. Now this is luxury rail travel as it was meant to be: comfortable surroundings inside, exquisite Canadian Rockies scenery outside, and impeccable service from beginning to end. And all-daylight travel means you won’t miss a bit of Canada’s rugged beauty, all the while feasting on delicious cuisine and photographing the passing sights.
“The best travel experiences are those that make you feel special,” says Mike. “Each of these hotels and tours is special in its own right, and as a Hideaways Aficionado Club member, you’ll receive just-for-you perks, privileges and extras every time you enjoy them.”
Photo caption: Le Château de Bagnols, Beaujolais, France